Chinese Architecture. Tradition and New Unity

Author: Tian Huan Jia
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This book includes several papers on modern and contemporary Chinese architecture. The author points out that over the past century since the 20th century, China has developed a new architectural system in addition to its original one. It is a product of cultural exchange between China and the outside world. Although China was in an unequal position with Western powers at the time, the emergence of the new architectural system was an inevitable and progressive historical development. The author believes that the ancient city of Beijing, having been transformed into a modern world power, can only fulfill its complex functions as a modern capital. Beijing has already and will continue to showcase its unique and unparalleled new appearance as an ancient capital. In fact, Rome, London, and Paris also present their own new appearances as ancient cities to the present generation. The idea of simply preserving the old Beijing city as a historical relic, treating it as a museum city, or completely restoring it to its original state, whether in the past or now, is unrealistic. Regarding the currently popular "European-style" architectural designs in China, the author argues that they need to be examined in light of their social and historical roots. Simply dismissing the architectural expressions of emerging mass culture from the perspective of cultural elites with aristocratic disdain and condemnation is both unfair and ineffective. The book also describes the transformation process of Chinese architecture over the past century and provides reviews of several contemporary Chinese architects and their works.